Micro Ice was launched in 2006 by former NHL players to create a training center that mimicked pond hockey – a smaller, narrower area that fosters better stick-handling skills and skating ability than full ice. Since then, Micro Ice has grown into one of the area’s premier youth hockey programs. From learn to skate, learn to play and skill clinics, to private lessons and our competitive Ice Dogs teams, Micro Ice has year-round offerings to help players of all ages and skill levels improve their game.
The Micro Ice difference is its rink, its coaches and its community. Our rink is one-third the size of standard rinks. For younger players, the smaller surface is more comfortable and less daunting, and for older players, it enhances intensity, forces faster decision making and improves quickness in shots and moves. Our experienced, professional coaches – including a former D1 hockey player and coach and a former Olympic figure skater – create fun, game like situations with maximum pace, repetitions and puck touches to accelerate player development. Our community of friendly, like-minded families who prioritize fun and development make Micro Ice the ideal environment for players to learn, grow and thrive.
At Micro Ice, we care about the long-term hockey and athletic development of our players. We teach the game the right way. We focus on skating, skill development and being great teammates. We do not focus on tactics, systems or winning at the cost of development. We follow USA Hockey’s American Development Model and ensure players of all skill levels are given equal opportunity of participation and play at a pace that is right for them. And while we like to win, we measure success not by wins and losses of our teams but rather by the skills and smiles of our players.
High-quality repetitions done in a fun, creative way is why Finland and Sweden are developing some of the most skilled players in the world. The goal of Micro Ice training sessions is to provide the same opportunity for kids in this area while having fun. Micro Ice has always been on the cutting edge of hockey development. USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, and other countries are all following suit and having their players learn the game and sharpen their skills by playing on smaller surfaces. If a player is successful at Micro Ice, their skill set easily transfers to a full sheet of ice.
Yes! From learn to skate to NHL players, everyone benefits from Micro Ice. For younger players, Micro Ice is age and size appropriate. Baseball has little league fields, soccer has mini fields and adjustable nets, basketball has reduced height and 3 on 3 with half courts. For generations, six year olds have had to skate on the same size sheets of ice as adults, but not at Micro Ice. For older players, Micro Ice forces players to work on the most critical skills in hockey: small area games and skills, quick acceleration bursts, and developing hockey IQ.
Micro Ice was created by NHL players wiith the idea of mirroring a European style of hockey that teaches skill development with high-speed skating. Sweden and Finland have been teaching these skills in small groups and areas for years and produces a higher number of NHL players per capita than either the US or Canada.
Not only does the smaller ice surface facilitate quick decisions with the puck, but with the high skating pace as you master specific skills, you achieve an intense workout.
Yes, because ice hockey is really played in a series of small areas with limited space. The player who can improve his skills in this area will have a much greater success on the larger ice surface. The smaller surface forces you to get out of your comfort zone, which leads to raised skill level and improved quickness in shots and moves.
At Micro Ice, our philosophy is based on small group training in a smaller area at a high tempo with many repetitions. Our rink is one-third the size of standard rinks. For younger players, the smaller surface is more comfortable and less daunting. For older players, the smaller surface enhances intensity, forces faster decision making and improves quickness in shots and moves. Our experienced, professional coaches create game-like situations with maximum puck touches to accelerate player development.
